Exhibition
Exhibition
Wafrica: In Search of a Third AestheticDates: Wednesday, May 8 to Saturday, June 8, 2024
Closed: Sundays and national holidays
Opening hours: 10:00 - 17:00 (reception closes at 16:30)
Support: Brain Trust Inc.
* During the "Wafrica: In Search of a Third Aesthetic" exhibition period only, visitors wearing traditional clothing from anywhere in the world can enter free of charge.
About this Exhibition
This first solo exhibition in Japan by Serge Mouangue, Paris-based contemporary artist from Cameroon, presents exciting new visions of cultural affinities between Japan and Africa, a bold collection of sculptural and wearable expressions that transcend tradition toward a "Third Aesthetic." Artworks include traditional African masks re-imagined in Japanese lacquer, kimonos crafted in African fabrics, and major figurative installations — as well as a number of pieces especially made for this exhibition.
In sum, this exhibition highlighting the inner affinity of Japanese and African cultures aims to give expression to the Marubeni Gallery concept of "a space where beauty old and new, East and West resonate."
I hope this exhibition may encourage you to take a greater interest in African culture — and of course, I hope you simply enjoy the exhibition.
Prominent Works to be Displayed
Kimono
Starting from 2008, kimonos were among the first works Serge created in a consciously Third Aesthetic mode. The combination of African textiles with contemporary Japanese styling looks as beautifully natural as it is practical.
Urushi Sculpture
The art of Japanese lacquer meets the power of African masks. The African wood carved masks were transformed into smooth forms through layers of lacquer with help of lacquer masters Okawara Masaru, Onishi Nagatoshi, Matsushima Sakurako.
Sculpture Installation
His creative efforts evolve constantly, working simultaneously in art, design, sculpture and architecture. He then developed them into installation works.
Sketches
These sketches and designs of urushi sculptures and kimonos are a valuable source of Serge's ideas.
Future Exhibits (Tentative Title/Details):
Finding Beauty in Formality: Exploring the Marubeni Collection’s Noh Robes
(September 25 to October 26, 2024)
The Quilt Art of Yawatagaki Mutsuko: The Metamorphosis of Ancient Fabric Fragments
(November 26 to December 21, 2024)
Past exhibitions
Kosode Reproduced from a Fabric Fragment with an Ink Inscription “Order Received from Fushimi-dono”
The Tale of Genji The Beauty of a Court Lady's Attire, Reborn
HAMANO Toshihiro:
Harmony of Tradition and Modernity-The Illustrated Life of Prince Shotoku and New Works
Marubeni Gallery Opening Exhibition IV
Textile Designs and the Akane-kai—
Spinning the assion of the Past into the Present
Marubeni Gallery Opening Exhibition III
Botticelli Special Exhibition
La Bella Simonetta
Marubeni Gallery Opening Exhibition II
Pursuing and Passing Down the Beauty - Kimono of the Marubeni Collection
Marubeni Gallery Opening Exhibition I
The Echoes of Modern Art between Japan and France